David Zapatka Last month we discussed how to beat the bangers. Blocking at the kitchen line was a key strategy. This article will pick up with that focus. Consider these strategies to improve your blocking skills. 1. You know the hard shot is coming. Be prepared, knees bent, relaxed, eyes on the ball, paddle out…
Generals, July 2025
Upcoming July Educational Presentations—Mark Your Calendars!
New Adventures in Learning is pleased to host engaging and informative presentations this July designed to help you plan wisely, learn from history, and prepare for the future. Most will be held in person at the Sun Lakes Center, and several will be available via Zoom. Here are some of the highlights: Maintaining a Healthy…
Religion, July 2025
Reflections on Freedom This Fourth of July
Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ This Fourth of July marks my first since retiring from my military uniform. After more than two decades of service, I now stand in civilian clothes, reflecting on the meaning of freedom from a new place—one rooted not in command but in calling. I’ve…
Clubs & Classes, July 2025
Sew-N-Sews
Peg Abney As the summer heat settles over Sun Lakes, Ariz., the Sew-N-Sews sewing club continues to keep its threads woven with creativity, even during the off-season. While the club typically takes a break from regular monthly meetings over the summer, the spirit of sewing remains alive with special interest groups and summer workshops. At…
Sports, July 2025
IronOaks Lady Breakers
Kim L. Hutchinson Have you played pool before and forgotten the rules? Has it been years since you played and you’re afraid you might embarrass yourself? Were you never that good but really enjoyed playing? Then IronOaks Lady Breakers might be just what you need. IronOaks Lady Breakers would like to invite you to stop…
July 2025, Clubs & Classes
Quilting: A Summer Hobby—The Kansas City Star
Jody Edwards, Desert Threads Quilt Chapter of AQG Once again, Desert Threads Quilters invites you back in time to the days when quilt patterns were delivered to you in your newspaper. This month, let’s look at The Kansas City Star! The Kansas City Star newspaper played a significant role in fostering the quilting tradition by…
Sports, July 2025
SLPCC Firebirds
David Douglas Sun Lakes Pickleball Club at Cottonwood (SLPCC), one of the largest clubs in Sun Lakes with 467 members this past year, continues to thrive in the midst of the record-breaking summer heat that our Valley is known for this time of year. Like all of Sun Lakes, SLPCC experiences the same membership exodus…
Features, July 2025
Jacquie’s Corner: Rosario and Antonio
Jacqueline M. Ruffino July has just arrived, and it is a very special month for me. To this day, my brothers Rosario and Antonio are still close to me in our lives. They are proud of me, their sister Jacqueline, and the only sister they have. Each one of my brothers always stayed close by…
Clubs & Classes, July 2025
Chess Anyone?
Looking for a friendly chess game? Or maybe just looking for help learning how to play? Serious players are welcome, too. We play chess on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Cottonwood Ceramics Room (A-8). There is no formal commitment. Come when you can and leave when you want. Feel free to…
July 2025, Clubs & Classes
Jewish War Veterans Post 619
Nancy Stutman Jewish War Veterans Post 619 poppy tables are set up at East Valley Fry’s Marketplaces where volunteers collect donations from generous shoppers on Memorial Day weekend. Posters list the veterans’ service organizations that receive large donations from JWV Poppy Campaigns.